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Abstract:

An oil containment recovery dome including an upper containment portion
and at least one bladder. The upper containment portion has an enclosure
defined therein that is adapted to receive equipment used in conjunction
with a well and to retain therein oil or gas that escapes from the well.
The at least one bladder is attached to the upper containment portion.

Claims:

1. An oil containment recovery dome for use in conjunction with an oil or
gas well, wherein the oil containment recovery dome comprises: an upper
containment portion having an enclosure defined therein that is adapted
to receive equipment used in conjunction with the oil or gas well and to
retain therein oil or gas that escapes from the well, wherein at least
part of the upper containment portion has a geodesic shape; and at least
one bladder attached to the upper containment portion.

3. The oil containment recovery dome of claim 1, and further comprising:
an opening formed in the upper containment portion; and a cap section
that is attachable to the upper containment portion to substantially
close the opening, wherein the cap section is movable between an open
configuration and a closed configuration.

4. The oil containment recovery dome of claim 1, and further comprising a
lower containment portion that is attached to a lower edge of the upper
containment portion, wherein at least part of the lower containment
portion has an adjustable cylinder height.

5. The oil containment recovery dome of claim 1, and further comprising
an inner cover material that extends over at least a portion of the upper
containment portion, wherein the inner cover material is substantially
impermeable to at least one of oil and gas.

6. The oil containment recovery dome of claim 1, and further comprising
an outer cover material that extends over at least a portion of the upper
containment portion, wherein the outer cover material protects the upper
containment portion from damage.

7. The oil containment recovery dome of claim 1, and further comprising
at least one conduit attached to the upper containment portion for
removing oil or gas from the enclosure.

8. The oil containment recovery dome of claim 1, and further comprising a
buoyancy or ballast material that is placed in the at least one bladder,
wherein the buoyancy or ballast material has a density that is not less
than a density of water or is less than the density of water.

9. The oil containment recovery dome of claim 1, wherein the upper
containment portion comprises: a frame assembly comprising: a plurality
of elongated elements; and a plurality of connectors that interconnect
the plurality of elongated elements to form an array; and a cover
material that extends over at least a portion of the frame assembly.

10. The oil containment recovery dome of claim 1, and further comprising
at least one anchor that is capable of engaging the upper containment
portion to retain the upper containment portion in a stationary position
with respect to the oil or gas well.

13. A method of containing and recovering oil or gas that leaks from a
well that is located beneath a surface of a body of water, wherein the
method comprises: constructing an oil containment recovery dome
comprising an upper containment portion having enclosure defined therein
that is adapted to receive equipment used in conjunction with a well and
to retain therein oil or gas that escapes from the well; transporting the
oil containment recovery dome to a location where a well is located; and
positioning the oil containment recovery dome over the well.

14. The oil containment and recovery method of claim 13, and further
comprising: accidentally discharging oil or gas from the well into the
water; and substantially containing the oil or gas within the oil
containment recovery dome.

15. The oil containment and recovery method of claim 13, wherein
transporting the oil containment recovery dome comprises: moving the oil
containment recovery dome along a path that is proximate to or above a
surface of the body of water in which the well is located; and moving the
oil containment recovery dome towards a surface beneath the body of water
in which the well is formed.

16. The oil containment and recovery method of claim 13, and further
comprising: providing at least one bladder on the oil containment
recovery dome; filling the at least one bladder with a first material
that is less dense than water to maintain the oil containment recovery
dome proximate an upper surface of the body of water; and filling the at
least one bladder with a second material that is not less dense than
water to maintain the oil containment recovery dome in a substantially
stationary position with respect to the well.

17. The oil containment and recovery method of claim 13, and further
comprising conveying the oil or gas from the oil containment recovery
dome to a collection apparatus.

18. An oil containment and recovery system comprising: an oil containment
recovery dome comprising an upper containment portion having enclosure
defined therein that is adapted to receive equipment used in conjunction
with a well and to retain therein oil or gas that escapes from the well;
and a transport vehicle that is capable of moving the oil containment
recovery dome to a location where the oil containment recovery dome is
used.

19. The oil containment and recovery system of claim 18, wherein the
transport vehicle includes a system for moving the oil containment
recovery dome with respect to the transport vehicle.

20. The oil containment and recovery system of claim 18, wherein the
upper containment portion comprises an inner containment section and an
outer containment section and wherein the inner containment section is
attached to the outer containment section.

21. The oil containment and recovery system of claim 18, and further
comprising: an inner cover material that extends over at least a portion
of the upper containment portion, wherein the inner cover material is
substantially impermeable to at least one of oil and gas; and an outer
cover material that extends over at least a portion of the upper
containment portion, wherein the outer cover material protects the upper
containment portion from damage.

22. The oil containment and recovery system of claim 18, and further
comprising: an opening formed in the upper containment portion; and a cap
section that is attachable to the upper containment portion to
substantially close the opening, wherein the cap section is movable
between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

23. The oil containment and recovery system of claim 18, and further
comprising at least one conduit attached thereto for removing oil or gas
from the enclosure.

24. The oil containment and recovery system of claim 18, and further
comprising at least one anchor that is capable of engaging the upper
containment portion to retain the upper containment portion in a
stationary position with respect to a well.

Description:

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/493,803, which was filed on Jun. 6, 2011; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/512,725, which was filed on Jul. 28, 2011; and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/515,067, which was filed on Aug. 4, 2011,
the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally, but not limited, to an oil
recovery system. More particularly, the invention relates to an
atmospheric, terrestrial, and/or oceanic structure that may be used for,
but not limited to, oil containment and recovery. This invention may be
used prior to the exploration of oil in oceans, thereby mitigating the
spill at the onset.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Crude oil is a popular source of energy for vehicles such as cars,
trucks, motorcycles, and airplanes. There are various other uses for
crude oil and products refined therefrom.

[0004] Typically, the crude oil is obtained from a well that is drilled
beneath a surface of the ground. In addition to the wells being drilled
into the ground on one of the continents, it has also been recognized
that wells can be drilled into the ground located beneath bodies of
water.

[0005] It is generally desired to collect substantially all of the crude
oil that is extracted from a well to maximize the income generated from
the well and to minimize the negative effects that are experienced when
the oil escapes into the region surrounding the well.

[0006] While oil drilling technology enables drilling wells into very deep
bodies of water such as having a depth of greater than about 5,000 feet,
it becomes increasingly difficult to address issues that may develop at
these depths. For example, it is generally not possible for humans to
perform directly tasks at these depths. Rather, the immense pressures at
these depths necessitate that the work be done using robotically
controlled devices.

[0007] Even in situations where safety devices such as blowout preventers
are utilized to address problems that may arise when drilling wells at
these depths, it is possible that the safety devices may malfunction and
that the crude oil may escape from the well and become intermixed with
the body of water in which the well is located.

[0008] The presence of the crude oil in the water can be a health hazard
to organisms that live in the body of water not only causing death to the
organisms but also precluding the use of the organisms as a food source.
The crude oil can also contaminate that shore that surrounds the body of
water and thereby preclude the use of the shore for recreational
activities.

[0009] In view of the hazards associated with crude oil escaping into a
body of water, it is desirable to utilize a system that provides the
ability to contain the crude oil that escapes during the drilling process
such that the escaped crude oil may be recovered.

[0010] Most past efforts and equipment designed for these purposes were
based upon the principle that you needed a large heavy mass (i.e., a
100-ton concrete dome) to capture the oil and withstand the pressure at
more than 5,000 feet below sea level. It has also been attempted to
utilize methods that work above sea level. However, such methods do not
consistently work below sea level because of the pressures that exist at
those depths.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An embodiment of the invention is directed to an oil containment
recovery dome that includes an upper containment portion and at least one
bladder. The upper containment portion has an enclosure defined therein
that is adapted to receive equipment used in conjunction with a well and
to retain therein oil or gas that escapes from the well. The at least one
bladder is attached to the upper containment portion.

[0012] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of
containing and recovering oil or gas that leaks from a well that is
located beneath a surface of a body of water. An oil containment recovery
dome that includes an upper containment portion having enclosure defined
therein that is adapted to receive equipment used in conjunction with a
well and to retain therein oil or gas that escapes from the well. The oil
containment recovery dome is transported to a location where a well is
located. The oil containment recovery dome is moved into a position over
the well.

[0013] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an oil
containment and recovery system that includes an oil containment recovery
dome and a transport vehicle. The oil containment recovery dome includes
an upper containment portion having enclosure defined therein that is
adapted to receive equipment used in conjunction with a well and to
retain therein oil or gas that escapes from the well. The transport
vehicle is capable of moving the oil containment recovery dome to a
location where the oil containment recovery dome is used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of embodiments, are incorporated in, and constitute a part
of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together
with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other
embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be
readily appreciated, as they become better understood by reference to the
following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not
necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals
designate corresponding similar parts.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an oil containment recovery dome according
to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a profile view of the oil containment recovery dome of
FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a double resonated portion of the oil
containment recovery dome of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a vertical section view of a double resonated dome
showing connectors, structure, bladders and other elements in conjunction
with the oil containment recovery dome of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the double resonated
dome structure showing connectors and other elements of FIG. 4.

[0020] FIG. 6 is plan a view of a top cap portion of the oil containment
recovery dome of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the double resonated dome structure
to contain the buoyancy/ballast tank of the oil containment recovery dome
of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 8 is an profile view of an alternative configuration of the
oil containment recovery dome of FIG. 1 attached to a ground surface
located beneath a body of water using a plurality of anchors and cables.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a plan view an elongated oil containment recovery dome of
FIG. 1, with its vertical axis rotated to a horizontal position.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a profile view identifying elements of the elongated oil
containment recovery dome of FIG. 9 while floating in a body of water.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a profile view of the oil containment recovery dome of
FIG. 1 being transported to spill site by sea container ship.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a profile view of the oil containment recovery dome of
FIG. 1 being transported to spill site by sea tug.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a side view of the oil containment recovery dome of FIG.
1 being transported to spill site by helo crane or dirigible-blimp.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a profile view of oil containment recovery dome of FIG.
9 being transported to spill site by helo crane or dirigible-blimp.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a profile view of an expanded oil containment recovery
dome of FIG. 9 being transported to spill site by sea tugs.

[0031] FIG. 17 is a profile view of oil containment recovery dome of FIG.
9 at recovery spill site in place around spill tanker vessel.

[0032] FIG. 18 is a profile view an oil containment recovery dome of FIGS.
2 and 4 being lowered by cables through a body of water towards a ground
surface located beneath the body of water and showing a mooring position
of an alternate removable cap on a platform illustrated in FIGS. 21 and
22.

[0033]FIG. 19 is a profile view of the oil containment recovery dome
illustrated in FIG. 4 moored on sea floor with moveable split cap open
and oil equipment working within.

[0035] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a support platform that may be used with
the base dome assembles of FIGS. 1, 4 and 8 in the alternative
configuration of the oil containment recovery dome, it may also be used
for staging and mooring.

[0036] FIG. 22 is a profile view of the support platform of FIG. 21.

[0037] FIG. 23 is a side view of an oil containment recovery system on a
transport vessel.

[0038] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the oil containment recovery system
utilizing a dual hull transport vessel illustrated in FIG. 23.

[0039] FIG. 25 is a side view of the oil containment recovery system
utilizing cranes on the transport vessel of FIGS. 23 and 24 to lower into
water.

[0040] FIGS. 26a, 26b, and 26c are side views of the oil containment
recovery system, lowering to the sea bottom of the body of water.

[0041] FIGS. 27a and 27b are side views of an oil leak contained within
the oil containment recovery system.

[0042] FIG. 28 is a side view of the cap in an open configuration enabling
standard oil well equipment to access well as part of the oil containment
recovery system.

[0043] FIG. 29 is a side view of the cap portion in a closed configuration
after the oil well equipment used in conjunction with the well has been
moved into the oil containment recovery system.

[0044] FIG. 30 is a side view of an alternative configuration of the oil
containment recovery system utilizing a dirigible-blimp.

[0045] FIG. 31 is a side view of the oil containment recovery system being
lowered over a vessel that is leaking oil into a body of water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] An embodiment of the invention is directed to an oil containment
recovery dome as illustrated at 100 in the figures. The oil containment
recovery dome 100 is particularly suited for use in conjunction with an
oil well that is to be drilled below a body of water.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the oil containment recovery dome 100 is
used in conjunction with deep-water oil wells such as those drilled in
water having depths of more than about 500 feet. In other embodiments,
the oil wells are drilled in water at a depth of more than 5,000 feet.

[0048] In still other embodiments, it is possible to use the oil
containment recovery dome 100 in conjunction with wells that are in
relatively shallow water where it is especially desirable to minimize the
potential of oil or gas escaping from the well into the water.

[0049] The oil containment recovery dome 100 is positioned on a ground
surface beneath the body of water such that any oil or gas that escapes
from the oil well is substantially contained within the oil containment
recovery dome 100. Containing the oil within the oil containment recovery
dome 100 facilitates recovering the oil and gas to minimize the potential
of negative environmental impact from the oil.

[0050] Oil and gas that is contained within the oil containment recovery
dome 100 may be directed to tankers that are positioned on the water
surface proximate the oil containment recovery dome 100 such as using at
least one conduit or feeder line.

[0051] The oil containment recovery dome 100 should be formed with
sufficient strength to withstand damage and/or movement. The oil
containment recovery dome 100 may also have sufficient strength to
withstand pressure developed within the oil containment recovery dome 100
caused by accumulation of oil there within. In certain embodiments, at
least a portion of the oil containment recovery dome 100 has a geodesic
shape, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0052] The oil containment recovery dome 100 may be formed with a size
that is sufficiently large to encompass not only the oil drilling
equipment positioned on the ground surface of the body of water but also
to encompass a large percentage of oil that could potentially leak from
the oil well before such leaked oil could be recovered, as illustrated in
FIG. 27a.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the oil containment recovery dome 100 has a
diameter of between about 50 feet and about 300 feet. In other
embodiments, the oil containment recovery dome 100 has a diameter of
about 500 feet.

[0054] The oil containment recovery dome 100 may generally include an
upper spherical section 101 and a lower cylinder section 102. The upper
spherical section 101 may have a generally geodesic shape, as illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2. The upper spherical section 101 and lower cylinder
section 102 may be formed from a plurality of the first structural beams
113 and the second structural beams 114 that are attached together using
first attachment assemblies 105 and second attachment assemblies 106, as
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0055] An outer dome section has a diameter that is slightly larger than
an inner dome section diameter, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 7.
This dome configuration has been referred to as a double resonated dome.

[0056] An advantage of using this configuration is that a force placed on
the outer dome section is distributed to the inner dome section. This
process increases the strength of the oil containment recovery dome 100
to thereby minimize the potential that the force results in damage to the
oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0057] In one such configuration, the inner dome section has structural
elements that are arranged in a hexagonal configuration and the outer
dome section has structural elements that are arranged in a triangular
configuration.

[0058] As is discussed in more detail herein, the outer dome section may
include two types of structural elements. The first structural elements
may be arranged in a hexagonal configuration. The second structural
elements may be arranged to define six triangles within each of the
hexagons defined by the first structural elements.

[0059] While it is illustrated that the first structural elements are
wider than the second structural elements, it is possible for other
configurations to be used. An example of one such alternative
configuration is where the first structural elements and the second
structural elements are formed with a substantially similar width.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the first structural beam 113 and the
second structural beam 114 are attached together in a generally
triangular configuration and, the first structural beam 113 are attached
together in a generally hexagonal and or polygonal configuration. In
certain embodiments, at least portions of the triangles are acute
triangles, equilateral triangles, and isosceles triangles, as illustrated
in FIG. 5.

[0061] The first structural beam 113 and the second structural beam 114
may be fabricated from a variety of materials using the concepts of the
invention. The first structural beam 113 and the second structural beam
114 should resist degradation when exposed to the conditions under which
the oil containment recovery dome 100 is intended to be used. For
example, if the oil containment recovery dome 100 is intended to be used
in an ocean, the first structural beam 113 and the second structural beam
114 should resist degradation caused by salt and organisms that are
conventionally present in ocean water.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the first structural members beam 113 and
the second structural beam 114 may be fabricated from a metallic or
polymeric material. It may be desirable to fabricate the first structural
beam 113 and the second structural beam 114 from materials that have a
relatively high strength as well as being relatively lightweight. Forming
the structural members from materials having these characteristics
enhances the ability to move the oil containment recovery dome 100 even
if the oil containment recovery dome 100 has a relatively large diameter
and/or height.

[0063] Examples of such suitable materials include steel containing
additives that reduce the degradation of the steel when the steel is
exposed to the salt and organisms conventionally found in ocean water. In
certain embodiments, the first structural beam 113 and the second
structural beam 114 are fabricated from stainless steel, titanium,
magnesium and fiberglass or fiber composites.

[0064] The first structural beam 113 and the second structural beam 114
should have sufficient strength to resist deformation based upon the
conditions under which the oil containment recovery dome 100 is intended
to be used. Factors potentially affecting such strength include the
diameter of the oil containment recovery dome 100 and the length of the
structural members 113 and 114.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the first structural beam 113 and the
second structural beam 114 have a length of between about 2 feet and
about 12 feet. In other embodiments, the first structural beam 113 and
the second structural beam 114 have a length of between about 3 feet and
about 8 feet.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the first structural beam 113 and the
second structural beam 114 may have a generally square, round, I-beam,
H-beam, or rectangular profile with a height and a width that are both
between about 1 inch and about 24 inches. In other embodiments, the
height and the width of the first structural beam 113 and the second
structural beam 114 are both between about 2 inches and about 24 inches.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the first attachment assembly 105 and the
second attachment assembly 106 may have a generally circular
configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7. An outer skin 110 of the
second attachment assembly 106 may be used for attaching the first
structural beam 113 and the second structural beam 114, as illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0068] A variety of techniques may be used for attaching the first
structural beam 113 and the second structural beam 114 to the first
attachment assembly 105. Examples of two such connection techniques are
bolts and welding.

[0069] While the figures illustrate that there are six of the first
structural beams 113 and the second structural beam 114 attached to the
first attachment assembly 105, a person of skill in the art will
appreciate that other numbers of first structural beam 113 and the second
structural beam 114 may be attached to the first attachment assembly 105.
An example of one such alternative configuration is attaching five of the
first structural beams 113 and second structural beam 114 to the first
attachment assembly 105. Another example of one such alternative
configuration is attaching three structural members 113 to the second
attachment assembly 106.

[0070] A cap section 104 of the oil containment recovery dome 100 may be
separable from the other portions of the oil containment recovery dome
100. Such a configuration enables relatively large size objects to be
placed within the oil containment recovery dome 100. An example of one
such relatively large size object is a super blowout preventer. The cap
section 104 may split, be but limited, into multiple configurations as
illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0071] The cap section 104 may be fabricated similar to the other aspects
of the upper sphere section 101 in that the cap section 104 includes a
plurality of the first structural beam 113 and the second structural beam
114 that are each attached to the first attachment assembly 105 and the
second attachment assembly 106, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7.

[0072] The cap section 104 may also include a plurality of outer skin 110
and inner skin 111 attached to an upper surface thereof. The outer skin
110 may have a generally triangular shape so that each of the outer skin
110 substantially covers an opening between adjacent first structural
beam 113 and the second structural beam 114.

[0073] The outer skin 110 and inner skin 111 may be fabricated from a
variety of materials using the concepts of the invention. The outer skin
110 and inner skin 111 should have sufficient strength to resist
deformation and breakage under the conditions at which the oil
containment recovery dome 100 is utilized.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the outer skin dome assembly 110 may be
fabricated from a different material than the inner skin dome assembly
111. An example of one such configuration is that the outer skin dome
assembly 110 is fabricated from a stronger material than the material
used to fabricate the inner skin dome assembly 111.

[0075] The outer skin 110 should also resist degradation when exposed to
the materials in which the oil containment recovery dome 100 is used such
as salt and organisms present in ocean water. Examples of two such
materials that may be utilized to fabricate the outer skin 110 are
metallic or polymeric sheets. The outer skin may be porous like a cage
structure when the inner skin 110 is functioning to contain an oil leak.

[0076] A variety of techniques may be used to attach the outer skin 110
and the inner skin 111. As is discussed in more detail below, the
technique used to attach the outer skin 110 and inner skin 111 to the
other elements of the sphere 101 and the cap section 104 need only be
capable of containing oil within by means of one of the skins.

[0077] An example of one such suitable technique to attach the outer skin
110 to the other portions of the cap section 104 is by positioning the
edges of the outer skin 110 between the structural beam 113 and
structural beam 114 and a seam covering cap (not shown) and then using a
fastening device such as a screw or bolt to attach the seam covering cap
to the first structural beam 113 and structural beam 114.

[0078] In certain embodiments, an ocean resistant material with porous
pattern may be used for the outer skin 110 in conjunction with the oil
containment recovery dome 100. Such a porous material may be similar to
metal cyclone fencing and may prevent sea creatures from entering the
interior of the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0079] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first attachment assembly 105
may also accept mooring anchors 115 and cables 117 such as are
illustrated in FIG. 2. The first attachment assembly 105 is structurally
capable to accept matching connectors (not shown) to be used with
attachments for transport of the oil containment recovery dome 100 to and
from the installation site by air, surface sea or below sea surface as
illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13, 15, 18, 25, 26a, 26b, 27a, 30 and 31.

[0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the second attachment assembly 106
may accept a plurality of quick release accessories (not shown). The
second attachment assembly 106 is able to receive a matching connector
(not shown) for a pipe, feeder line, or other conduit (not shown) that is
used to transport the oil from the ground surface beneath the body of
water to the upper surface of the water where the oil is transferred to a
ship or barge used to transfer the oil and gas to a location where the
oil and gas is refined into finished products.

[0081] The second attachment assembly 106 may accept a plurality of quick
release accessories (not shown). The second attachment assembly 106 may
be to receive a pipe or other conduit (not shown) that is used to receive
lighter than air or seawater liquids or gasses to be pumped into a
buoyancy/ballast tank 108 and/or buoyancy/ballast tank bladder 109
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0082] The buoyancy/ballast tank 108 and/or buoyancy/ballast tank bladder
109 are capable of being used during any of the aforementioned methods of
transport of oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0083] It is possible for one of the connectors 105, 106 described herein
to be used in conjunction with adding or removing material from the
bladders 109. The connectors 105, 106 may also be used in conjunction
with transporting oil or gas from the interior of the oil containment
recovery dome 100 to a collection apparatus or vehicle.

[0084] The outer skin dome assembly 110 and the inner skin dome assembly
111 may each have a frame construction that includes a plurality of
structural members and a plurality of hubs, which is similar to the oil
containment recovery dome 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8.

[0085] It is possible for the outer skin dome assembly 110 and the inner
skin dome assembly 111 to both have the same configuration. In certain
embodiments, the outer skin dome assembly 110 may be fabricated with a
generally triangular configuration, as most clearly illustrated in FIG.
9. In certain embodiments, the outer skin dome assembly 110 may be
fabricated with a generally hexagonal/polygonal configuration, as most
clearly illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0086] The outer skin dome assembly 110 and the inner skin dome assembly
111 may be interconnected by a plurality of connecting members, as most
clearly illustrated in FIG. 19. Interconnecting the inner skin dome
assembly 111 and the outer skin dome assembly 110 enhances the strength
of the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0087] In certain embodiments, one of the connecting members extends
between the most proximate the first attachment assembly 105, on the
outer skin dome assembly 110 and the first attachment assembly 105 on the
inner skin dome assembly 111. The first attachment assembly 105, thereby
enhancing the rigidity of the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0088] The first attachment assembly 105, may be fabricated from the same
type of materials that are used to fabricate structural members that are
used to fabricate at least one of the outer skin dome assembly 110 and
the inner skin dome assembly 111.

[0089] A variety of techniques may be used to attach the first attachment
assembly 105, the second attachment assembly 106, and the outer skin dome
assembly 110 and the inner skin dome assembly 111.

[0090] The first attachment assembly 105, the first attachment assembly
105, and the outer skin dome assembly 110 and the inner skin dome
assembly 111 may be fabricated from a variety of materials. The materials
used to fabricate these components should enable the oil containment
recovery dome 100 to resist deformation when forces are applied to the
oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0091] Additionally, the materials used to fabricate these components
should resist degradation when exposed to the extreme pressures and/or
temperatures typically found where deep-water wells are drilled. The
materials used to fabricate these components should also resist
degradation caused by extended exposure to the materials and/or
microorganisms present in the water where the oil containment recovery
dome 100 is installed.

[0092] Examples of materials that may be used to fabricate the connecting
members, the structural members, and the hubs are stainless steel,
titanium, magnesium, fiberglass, and carbon fiber and fiber composites.
To further reduce the potential of degradation of these components, these
components may be coated with a protective material.

[0093] At least one of the outer skin dome assembly 110 and the inner skin
dome assembly 111 may include a plurality of outer skin panels 110 that
are attached to the structural members to each substantially cover the
openings. Similar to the outer skin 110 and inner skin 111 used in
conjunction with the oil containment recovery dome 100 illustrated in
FIGS. 1-11, the inner skin 111 is attached to the structural members to
form a water-tight seal in certain embodiments.

[0094] In other embodiments, a sheet of cover material is placed over a
plurality of the openings on at least one of the inner surface of the
inner skin dome assembly 111 or the outer surface of the outer skin dome
assembly 110. The sheet of material may be fabricated from a variety of
materials using the concepts of the invention. An example of one such
suitable material is non-inflated ETFE fabric.

[0095] To prevent damage to the cover material such as when the oil
containment recovery dome 100 is being lowered into the position above
the oil well, at least a portion of the openings may be covered with a
temporary panel (not shown) that is fabricated from a more rigid
material. An example of the rigid material is treated plywood. The oil
containment recovery dome 100 may have 12'' to 18'' metal spikes attached
as attachment assembly to the triangle node connections. These spikes are
to ward off sea creatures, the final configuration akin to a giant sea
urchin.

[0096] Once the oil containment recovery dome 100 is lowered into
position, the temporary rigid panels may be removed. Alternatively, the
rigid panels may be allowed to degrade as a result of the continued
exposure to the materials and/or organisms present in the water where the
oil containment recovery dome 100 is installed.

[0097] In the configuration of the cap section 104, at least one outer
skin panel 110 or inner skin 111 is replaced with a flexible riser boot
112 for use in accepting a feeder line 116, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The
riser boot 112 may have a shape that is similar to the outer skin panel
110 and inner skin panel 111 for the area penetrated by oil drilling and
collection equipment (not shown).

[0098] The cap section 104 includes at least one, but not limited to, cap
section 104 that is positionable in a closed configuration and an open
configuration. When in closed configuration, the at-least-one cap section
104 substantially restricts the flow of water and/or oil through the open
section 103 as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, 19 and 20.

[0099] When in the open configuration, the at-least-one cap section 104
substantially permits water and/or oil to pass through the open section
103. It is also possible to position the at-least-one cap section 104 in
an intermediate configuration that is between the open configuration and
the closed configuration to partially restrict the flow of water and/or
oil through the open section 103 located in the sphere section 101 of
dome 100.

[0100] The cap section 104 may be operable using a variety of methods. In
one such method, cap section 104 is pivotally mounted so that cap 104 can
pivot between the open configuration and the closed configuration as
illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20. Another possible configuration for the
storage of the cap section 104 is for the at-least-one cap section 104 to
be moved to an open configuration by robotic operating vehicles ("ROVs")
(not shown) and temporally moored on a space truss and staging platform
300 illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 21.

[0101] An example of one suitable technique for attaching the top section
to the other portions of the oil containment recovery dome 100 is a
stiffening space truss around the interface between the cap section 104
and upper sphere section. This allows the top section to open by pivot as
FIGS. 4, 19 and 20.

[0102] In certain embodiments, the cap section 104 may be biased to a
closed configuration. Installed monitoring devices in first structural
beam 113 may be used to measure pressure differences between the interior
and exterior of dome 100 as well as temperature, water composition and
other desired data collection properties. Conduits may be used to feed
these and other devices related to gas-gaseous control.

[0103] As an alternative to fabricating the oil containment recovery dome
100 with the structural members 113 and 114, it is possible to use
alternative systems to control the ability of water and/or oil to flow
into and out of the oil containment recovery dome 100. Such alternative
systems should be capable of operating in a highly reliable manner at
high pressures and/or low temperatures. An example of one such
alternative system is a check valve.

[0104] The oil containment recovery dome 100 may include a pressure flow
vent (not shown) that is capable of releasing excess pressure generated
within the oil containment recovery dome 100 and thereby minimize the
potential of damage of the oil containment recovery dome 100 by such
excess pressure.

[0105] In certain embodiments, the pressure flow vent is a diaphragm check
valve that is activatable in response to a specific cracking pressure
within the oil containment recovery dome 100. Flowage control by
directing the leak close to the source will better enable gas venting to
minimize the potential of damage of the oil containment recovery dome
100. Similar to other embodiments discussed in this patent application,
it is also possible to use louvers to release pressure from inside of the
oil containment recovery dome 100 through the first attachment assembly
105 and or open section 103.

[0106] Each of the cap sections 104 in the upper sphere section 101 that
are defined by the first structural beams 113 and the second structural
beams 114 are substantially covered with an outer skin 110 and an inner
skin 111, with structural members 113 and 114, configured with their
appropriate accessory hardware, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0107] A percentage of the surface of the oil containment recovery dome
100 that contains the buoyancy/ballast tanks 108 and buoyancy/ballast
tank bladders 109 may be determined based upon a variety of factors. One
such factor is the amount of water and/or oil that is desired to flow
through the oil containment recovery dome 100 such as when lowering the
oil containment recovery dome 100 from the top of the body of water to
the ground surface beneath the body of water.

[0108] In certain embodiments, between about 25 percent and about 75
percent of the surface of the oil containment recovery dome 100 contains
buoyancy/ballast tanks 108 and buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109. In
other embodiments, between about 40 percent and about 60 percent of the
surface of the oil containment recovery dome 100 is covered with the
buoyancy/ballast tanks 108 and buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109.

[0109] The cylinder section 102 is positioned along and may extend
substantially around the lower edge of the upper sphere section 101, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. The cylinder section 102 may have a height that is
considerably smaller or higher than a height of the sphere section 101.

[0110] While the cylinder section 102 is illustrated as being oriented in
a substantially vertical orientation, it is also possible for the
cylinder section 102 to have other orientations.

[0111] In certain embodiments, the cylinder section 102 may have a height
of between about 1 foot and about 50 feet. In other embodiments, the
cylinder section 102 has a height of between about 5 feet and about 100
feet.

[0112] The cylinder section 102 may be fabricated with at least one
opening 103 that has a width and a height that are sufficiently large to
permit equipment such as ROVs that are used in conjunction with drilling
the oil well and/or addressing issues relating to leaks from the oil to
be moved into and out of an interior region of the oil containment
recovery dome 100.

[0113] In certain embodiments, each of the openings 103 may have a height
of between about 5 feet and about 60 feet and a width of between about 5
feet and about 60 feet. In other embodiments, the openings may have a
height of about 40 feet and a width of about 80 feet.

[0114] It is possible for the openings to be formed with different heights
and widths depending on the equipment that is to pass through the
openings. In other embodiments, each of the openings is formed with a
height and a width that are approximately the same.

[0115] In certain embodiments, a plurality of openings 103 are provided on
the cylinder section 102 and such openings are positioned in a
spaced-apart configuration. For example, there may be 5 to 6 openings or
more in the cylinder section 102. Using the plurality of openings enables
multiple ROVs to be simultaneously used to perform work within the oil
containment recovery dome 100.

[0116] Open sections 103 are provided around the base of the oil
containment recovery dome 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, 12 19, 26,
27, and 28. By fabricating the oil containment recovery dome 100 in this
manner, it is possible for water to flow into the interior of the oil
containment recovery dome 100 as the leaked oil is withdrawn from the
interior of the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0117] Such a configuration allows pressure on the outside and inside of
the oil containment recovery dome 100 to remain substantially the same to
thereby minimize the creation of a pressure differential, which could
lead to damage of the oil containment recovery dome 100. It should be
noted that the lower portion of the oil containment recovery dome
structure is open to the sea (atmospheric) pressure. Approximately, up to
20% of the lower dome structure is open to sea pressure, providing the
remaining upper structure available to collect the lighter-than-seawater
crude oil.

[0118] The cylinder section 102 may be fabricated from the same materials
that are used to fabricate the sphere section 101. An example of one such
configuration is a plurality of elongated members and a plurality of
connectors that are attached together to form an array.

[0119] The angle of the base of cylinder section 102 may accommodate for
different ground slope around the oil containment recovery dome 100. To
account for variations in the shape and/or orientation of the ground
surface on which the oil containment recovery dome 100 is placed a
buoyancy/ballast bridging ring 107.

[0120] The buoyancy/ballast bridging ring 107 can span great distances to
provide uniform distribution of structural loads to be dumped into the
ground. The buoyancy/ballast bridging ring 107 may also be filled with
ballast to assist in securing the oil containment recovery dome 100 to
the ground by using mooring anchors 115 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8.

[0121] While it is desirable for a lower edge of the cylinder section 102
to be positioned relatively close to the ground surface, it is generally
not required for the lower edge of the cylinder section 102 to be
positioned immediately adjacent to the ground surface or that a
water-tight seal be formed between the lower edge of the cylinder section
102 and the ground surface.

[0122] In certain embodiments, a distance between the lower edge and the
ground surface may be more than about 48 inches.

[0123] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8, a plurality of mooring anchors 115
may be provided along the lower edge of the cylinder section 102. The
mooring anchors 115 may be positioned in a spaced-apart configuration so
that the mooring anchors 115 provide support around the oil containment
recovery dome 100.

[0124] The mooring anchors 115 may have an adjustable height that enables
the height of the mooring anchors 115 to change in response to difference
in shape and orientation of the ground surface. In certain embodiments,
the mooring anchors 115 may have a bias mechanism mounted therein that
allows the height of the mooring anchors 115 to adjust.

[0125] In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to use an attachment or
mounting mechanism to maintain the oil containment recovery dome 100 in a
substantially stationary position with respect to the ground surface. One
potential configuration is placing ballast in the buoyancy/ballast
bridging ring 107 around the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0126] Another technique that may be used to restrict movement of the oil
containment recovery dome 100 is a plurality of cables 117 that extend
from oil containment recovery dome 100 and are attached to the ground
surface, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 8, 26b and 27a. The cables 117 may be
attached at differing heights on the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0127] In operation, the oil containment recovery dome 100 may be
fabricated above the surface of the body of water in which the oil
containment recovery dome 100 is to be used because assembly in such
conditions is typically easier than assembling the components below the
water surface. In such situations, the oil containment recovery dome 100
may be transported to the location where the oil well is intended to be
drilled.

[0128] Depending on the size of the oil containment recovery dome 100, it
may be necessary to increase buoyancy or stabilize with ballast for
transport to installation site. Increased buoyancy or stabilization with
ballast can be accomplished by filling buoyancy/ballast tanks 108 and
buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 with appropriate amounts of
buoyancy/ballast materials.

[0129] An option for transporting the oil containment recovery dome 100 is
to float the oil containment recovery dome 100 to site by use of sea
transport tug boats 119 such as is illustrated in FIG. 13. Still another
option using buoyancy/ballast assist is to use helo crane,
dirigibles-blimps, as illustrated in FIG. 14. Another option for
transporting the oil containment recovery dome 100 is to place the oil
containment recovery dome 100 on the surface of a heavy cargo transport
ship 118 as illustrated in FIG. 12 or use a catamaran ship 140 for
transport as illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24. For all cases first
attachment assembly 105 may be used for transport attachments.

[0130] The catamaran transport ship 140 option provides a ship that
includes two hulls 142 mounted in a spaced apart configuration, as
illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24.

[0131] The hulls 142 may be movable with respect to each other so that the
hulls 142 can be positioned relatively close to each other while the
transport ship 140 is moved to where the well is being drilled.

[0132] The transport ship 140 may include at least one crane 144 that is
used to lift the oil containment recovery dome 100 off of the hulls 142
and then allow the oil containment recovery dome 100 to descend through
the water, as illustrated in FIG. 25.

[0133] Once the area where the oil well is intended to be drilled is
reached, the oil containment recovery dome 100 may be lowered through the
body of water towards the ground surface beneath the body of water. An
example of one such suitable technique is a dynamically positionable
transport ship 140 as illustrated in FIGS. 23, 24 and 25.

[0134] To reduce the potential of damage to the oil containment recovery
dome 100, the oil containment recovery dome 100 may be attached to a
plurality of cables 117 for lowering to the ground surface, as
illustrated in FIGS. 2, 23, 23, 25, 26a and 26b. The cables 117 may not
only be used to guide the ascent of the oil containment recovery dome 100
but may also be used to assist with the ascent of the oil containment
recovery dome 100.

[0135] As with the other forms of transport, it may be necessary to
increase buoyancy or stabilize with ballast for transport to installation
site. Increase buoyancy or stabilize with ballast can be accomplished by
filling buoyancy/ballast tanks 108, buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109
and buoyancy/ballast bridging ring 107 with appropriate amounts of
buoyancy/ballast materials.

[0136] In certain embodiments, to enhance the ability to lower the oil
containment recovery dome 100 through the body of water, the cap section
104 of the oil containment recovery dome 100 may be detached from the
other portions of the oil containment recovery dome 100 as the oil
containment recovery dome 100 is being lowered to the ground surface
beneath the body of water.

[0137] To increase the weight of the oil containment recovery dome 100 and
thereby stabilize and increase the rate at which the oil containment
recovery dome 100 can descend through the body of water, a plurality of
weights may be attached to the oil containment recovery dome 100. The
weights may be configured to be released and/or emptied once the oil
containment recovery dome 100 reaches the ground surface beneath the body
of water.

[0138] To minimize the potential of a negative environmental impact from
such release, materials used to fabricate the weights and/or placed
inside of the weights may be indigenous to the region where the oil
containment recovery dome 100 is being used. An example of one such
indigenous material is sand or seawater.

[0139] Alternatively, the weights may be left in attachment with the oil
containment recovery dome 100 to assist in retaining the oil containment
recovery dome 100 in a stationary position with respect to the oil well.

[0140] Once the oil containment recovery dome 100 is positioned in a
desired location, the equipment used to drill the oil well is then
lowered from the surface of the body of water until the equipment extends
through the oil containment recovery dome 100 and into the ground surface
inside of the oil containment recovery dome 100, as illustrated in FIGS.
4, 18 and 19.

[0141] Next, the cap section 104 may be opened by either split opened or
lowered onto the oil containment recovery dome 100, as illustrated in
FIGS. 4, 19, 20, 26a, 26b and 26c. A variety of techniques may be used to
attach the cap section 104 to the other portions of the oil containment
recovery dome 100.

[0142] After installation, the oil containment recovery dome 100 may be in
a substantially closed configuration. If an oil leak develops within the
oil containment recovery dome 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 27a and 27b,
the oil containment recovery dome 100 will substantially encapsulate the
oil and gas leak.

[0143] Such encapsulation enables the leaked oil/gas to be recovered such
as by extending a conduit 146 as a feed line into the interior of the oil
containment recovery dome 100 through the first and second attachment
assembly 105 and 106. The oil containment recovery dome 100 thereby
minimizes the escape of oil and gas thereby minimizes the potential of
negative environmental impact from the escaped oil.

[0144] In certain configurations, it is possible to contain, hold and then
withdraw sufficient oil that leaks into the oil containment recovery dome
100 so that the oil is substantially contained within the oil containment
recovery dome 100 until it is possible to stop the oil well from leaking.
In other configurations, it may be desirable to employ additional
techniques to control the rate at which the oil is leaking and/or prevent
the oil from escaping from the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0145] This process may be accomplished by selective use of the first
attachment assembly 105 and the second attachment assembly 106 connected
to recovery oil or gas feeder conduits and transferring recovered
materials to surface equipment. Monitoring equipment may be inserted into
select first attachment assembly 105 and second attachment assembly 106
to assist in locating the best attachment locations and types for the
recovery equipment to be used for any given recovery condition.

[0146] An example of one such suitable technique that may be used in
conjunction with the oil containment recovery dome 100 is to generate a
heat-arc method proximate to where the oil and/or gas is leaking from the
well. The method may be generated using equipment that is similar to the
equipment used in conjunction with precautionary methane gas procedures
from conduit 116 supplied, attachment assembly nodes 105 and 106.

[0147] A methane prevention arc may cause the oil and/or gas to change
into a form that is more manageable and/or is less likely to cause
environmental damage. For example, the arc may sufficiently warm methane
gas that leaks from the well to prevent methane crystallization. The oil
containment recovery dome 100 allows such space accommodation within the
double resonated dome through conduit supplied attachment assembly nodes
for such equipment.

[0148] In another configuration, the oil containment recovery dome 100 is
adapted for installation and use after the oil drilling equipment is
already in place. Such an application can be done either before or after
oil and/or gas is leaking from the oil well.

[0149] To accommodate placement after the oil drilling equipment is in
place, the oil containment recovery dome 100 may include at least one
movable section that creates an opening so that the oil drill equipment
and or lines extending from the oil drilling equipment can pass through
such as illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29.

[0150] In one such configuration, the upper sphere section 101 of the oil
containment recovery dome 100 includes a plurality of cap sections 104
that are pivotally attached to each other. When the cap sections 104 are
pivoted to an open configuration, an enlarged opening is thereby defined.
When the cap sections 104 are pivoted to a closed configuration, a
relatively small opening with riser boots 112 may be defined through
which lines extending from the oil drilling equipment can pass.

[0151] Depending on the configuration of the cap sections 104, a pivoting
axis may be oriented in a variety of configurations, examples of which
include horizontal and vertical. The pivot hardware may attach to the
first attachment assembly 105 as well as be used as temporary mooring.

[0152] As an alternative to pivotally attaching the cap sections 104, it
is possible to fabricate the cap sections 104 separate from each other
and then attach the cap sections 104 using a fastening system. The
fastening system should permit operation such as by a remotely operable
vehicle (ROV).

[0153] The oil containment recovery dome 100 has a shape that generally
conforms to at least a portion of a sphere. By increasing the portion of
the sphere, the volume of the oil containment recovery dome 100 may be
increased. In certain embodiments, the oil containment recovery dome 100
may be about 3/4 of a sphere.

[0154] The oil containment recovery dome 100 should be sufficiently large
to encompass the various types of equipment that could be used for
drilling the oil wells. The oil containment recovery dome 100 could also
be used to position and/or support a flow-through sub-sea chemical
injector that is used in conjunction with the oil well.

[0155] Connection assemblies may be attached to the first attachment
assembly 105 FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 10 in an upper portion of the oil containment
recovery dome 100 to accommodate lines that extend between the
oil-drilling platform positioned on the water surface and the oil wells.
A closure mechanism (not shown) may be provided to seal off the lines and
thereby restrict the ability of the oil that leaks from the oil well from
escaping from the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0156] At least one of the outer skin dome assembly 110 and the inner skin
dome assembly 111 may have a buoyancy/ballast bridging ring 107, which
has a configuration that is similar to the embodiment discussed with
respect to FIGS. 1-10. The lower portion may be adjusted to account for
variations on the orientation and shape of the ground surface on which
the oil containment recovery dome is placed. A variety of techniques may
be used to facilitate such adjustability. It is also possible to
fabricate the lower portion to be self-leveling.

[0157] To reduce the potential of the oil containment recovery dome 100
moving with respect to the oil well drilling equipment after
installation; it is possible to use a mounting mechanism that extends
between the lower portion and the seabed. An example of one such suitable
mounting mechanism is a plurality of mooring anchors 115 alone or in
conjunction with a plurality of moors.

[0158] To increase the reliability of the oil containment recovery dome
100; it should be fabricated with minimal mechanical parts and in certain
embodiments, no mechanical parts.

[0159] As with the other forms of transport it may be necessary to
increase buoyancy or stabilize with ballast for transport to instillation
site. Increase buoyancy or stabilize with ballast can be accomplished by
filling buoyancy/ballast tanks 108 buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 and
buoyancy/ballast bridging ring 107 with appropriate amounts of
buoyancy/ballast materials.

[0160] It is also possible to fabricate the oil containment recovery dome
100 with a floatation device (not shown) attached thereto. In certain
configurations, there floatation device is mounted along a lower surface
of the oil containment recovery dome 100. When the floatation device is
activated, the oil containment recovery dome 100 may be moved through the
water using a tow vessel such as a tugboat as illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0161] Once the oil containment recovery dome 100 arrives at the location
where it is intended to be used, the floatation device may be deactivated
to cause the oil containment recovery dome 100 to sink into the water.
The deactivation may be accomplished at a rate that is sufficiently slow
so that the descent through the water is done in a controlled manner to
minimize the potential of damage to the oil containment recovery dome
100.

[0162] When use of the oil containment recovery dome 100 at a particular
location is completed, the floatation device may be activated to cause
the oil containment recovery dome 100 to raise to the surface of the
water so that the oil containment recovery dome 100 can be moved to
another use location or to a storage location.

[0163] Because of the challenges associated with humans directly viewing
the oil containment recovery dome 100, monitoring instruments may be used
in conjunction with the oil containment recovery dome 100. Examples of
the monitoring instruments include cameras, acoustic Doppler profilers,
pulsed illuminator and transponders. This equipment may be mounted on
attachment assemblies 105 or adjacent to the oil containment recovery
dome 100.

[0164] While it is generally preferable for the oil containment recovery
dome 100 to be slowly lowered from the surface of the water to the ground
beneath the water; it is possible that the oil containment recovery dome
100 may experience a rapid descent toward the ground beneath the water.

[0165] At least one line may extend between the oil containment recovery
dome 100 and the crane or other device used to lower the oil containment
recovery dome 100 to the ground beneath the water. If the line breaks or
if the crane begins rolling out the line too quickly, the oil containment
recovery dome 100 may be permitted to descent too quickly.

[0166] Rapid contact of the ground beneath the water by the oil
containment recovery dome 100 could damage the oil containment recovery
dome 100. Such damage could impact the structural integrity of the oil
containment recovery dome 100.

[0167] In certain embodiments, the oil containment recovery dome 100 may
include a select number of deployable buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109
as illustrated in FIG. 7. A select number of deployable buoyancy/ballast
tank bladders 109 may be positioned proximate within a select number of
buoyancy/ballast tanks 108 of the outer skin dome assembly 110 and the
inner skin dome assembly 111 so that when the buoyancy/ballast tank
bladders 109 is inflated, the buoyancy/ballast tank bladders
substantially fills a region between the connectors.

[0168] While the description is provided herein as being an
buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109, a person of skill in the art would
appreciate that this component could be broadly described as a restrainer
bag that includes an outer enclosure in which a material is introduced to
cause the outer enclosure to substantially fill the region between the
connectors.

[0169] One of the buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 may be positioned
proximate to every one of the connectors on at least one of the outer
skin dome assembly 110 and the inner skin dome assembly 111. In other
embodiments, the buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 may be positioned in
a spaced-apart configuration on the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0170] When it is sensed that the oil containment recovery dome 100 is
descending more quickly than desired, the at least one buoyancy/ballast
tank bladders 109 may be deployed so that the buoyancy/ballast tank
bladders 109 extends substantially between at least one connector on the
outer skin dome assembly 110 and at least one connector on the inner skin
dome assembly 111.

[0171] In certain embodiments, the deployment of the buoyancy/ballast tank
bladders 109 is controlled by a manual device that is linked to the
buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 such as by a wired or wireless
connection. In another embodiment, the buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109
may have a sensor that causes the buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 to
automatically deploy if it is determined that the pressure change
monitored by the sensor is greater than a selected amount, which is
indicative of the oil containment recovery dome 100 experiencing a
potentially dangerous fall.

[0172] The pressure exerted by the at least one buoyancy/ballast tank
bladders 109 should be sufficiently large so that the connector on the
outer skin dome assembly 110 resists movement with respect to the
connector on the inner skin dome assembly 111. However, the pressure
exerted by the at least one buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 should not
be too large such that the connector on the outer skin dome assembly 110
is forced away from the connector on the inner skin dome assembly 111.
Such a movement could cause damage to the oil containment recovery dome
100. The buoyancy relief may be accomplished through the same inflation
first attachment assembly 106.

[0173] It is also possible to mount at least one buoyancy/ballast tank
bladders 109 on an outer surface and/or a lower surface of the oil
containment recovery dome 100. The at least one buoyancy/ballast tank
bladders 109 could thereby protect the oil containment recovery dome 100
from damage caused by contact with the ground beneath the water.

[0174] Because it is difficult to predict which side of the oil
containment recovery dome 100 will make contact with the ground surface
beneath the water, the buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 108 may be
positioned at various locations on the outer surface and the lower
surface of the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0175] The at least one buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 may be formed
having a variety of sizes using the concepts of the invention such that
the buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 108 have sufficient strength to resist
damage to the oil containment recovery dome 100. A factor that may be
relevant to the size of the buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 is the
weight of the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0176] The buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 may be formed with a
diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the oil
containment recovery dome 100. In other embodiments, a plurality of
buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 are attached together to provide a
diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the oil
containment recovery dome 100.

[0177] The buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 may be fabricated to rapidly
expand when activated. The force utilized to expand the buoyancy/ballast
tank bladders 109 may be sufficiently large to compensate for the
pressures typically experienced in the region where it is desired to
install the oil containment recovery dome 100.

[0178] Inflation of the buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 may be
accomplished using a variety of techniques. Examples of potentially
suitable techniques for inflating the buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109
used in conjunction with the oil containment recovery dome 100 are
techniques used in conjunction with inflating buoyancy/ballast tank
bladders 109 used on automobiles.

[0179] The buoyancy/ballast tank bladders 109 may also be configured to
provide additional strength to the oil containment recovery dome 100 so
that the oil containment recovery dome 100 is better able to withstand
damage caused by objects dropping onto the oil containment recovery dome
100. An example of one such object that could drop onto the oil
containment recovery dome 100 is the oil-drilling rig or a component
thereof.

[0180] In another embodiment, which is illustrated in FIG. 11, the oil
containment recovery dome 200 includes an outer sphere section 201 and
cylinder section 202. Two sphere sections 201 and a modular bay cylinder
section 202 are attached to and separate the two sphere sections 201 FIG.
9. The oil containment recovery dome 200 may be one or two half-sphere
sections 201 attached to one or two half-cylinder sections 202
illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0181] All embodiments and configurations for oil containment recovery
dome 100 also be applied to oil containment recovery dome 200 as
illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 30 and 31 where the last two
digits of the reference number are the same.

[0182] Oil containment recovery dome 200 is virtually the same as oil
containment recovery dome 100 only in that it is generally oriented in
the horizontal FIG. 9 instead of the vertical FIG. 2.

[0183] Due to the horizontal configuration of the oil containment recovery
dome 200 modular expansion cylinder sections 202 may be needed as in FIG.
11. These sections are treated the same as described for the oil
containment recovery dome 100.

[0184] Also due to the horizontal configuration of the oil containment
recovery dome 200, buoyancy/ballast bridging ring 207 may need to be
elongated to accommodate the necessary added cylinder sections 202 as
illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0185] Another embodiment of oil containment recovery dome 200 allows for
a horizontal separation enabling the oil containment recovery dome 200 to
float as a boat and encapsulate a disable or damaged ship or large
surface oil spill as illustrated in FIGS. 17, 30, and 31. It may be
necessary to activate the buoyancy/ballast bridging ring 207,
buoyancy/ballast tank 208, and buoyancy/ballast bladder system 209 for
proper floatation

[0186] Transport and installation of the oil containment recovery dome 200
may be accomplished in the same manner described for the oil containment
recovery dome 100.

[0187] Another embodiment of the invention relates to an oil containment
recovery dome as illustrated at 300 in FIGS. 21 and 22 relates to a space
truss and staging platform 300. Such a configuration may facilitate the
use of the oil containment recovery dome 300 on ground surfaces that are
not substantially flat or which are not oriented substantially
horizontal.

[0188] Structural beams 313 are connected using structural connector 305
laid out in a triangular grid in two horizontal paralleled plains. To the
same structural connector 305, which is the same as 106 and 206 of the
oil containment recovery domes 100 and 200, is used throughout to connect
both top and bottom horizontal planes together using structural beams
314.

[0190] If buoyancy/ballast tank 308 and/or buoyancy/ballast bladder 309
are installed, they may be used in the same way as the similar structures
in the oil containment recovery domes 100 and 200.

[0191] The staging platform 300 may also be used as an anchoring device
for dome 100 by adding ballast to the buoyancy/ballast tank 308, and or
buoyancy/ballast bladder 309 in a sufficient amount two counter the
buoyancy lift from enclosed oil being recovered or other uplift forces
imposed on the oil containment recovery dome 100 or staging platform 300.

[0192] Another anchoring method is to apply mooring anchors 315 alone or
in conjunction with ballast in a sufficient amount to counter the
buoyancy lift from enclosed oil being recovered or other uplift forces
imposed on the oil containment recovery dome 100 or staging platform 300.

[0193] Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 30 and
31. In this embodiment, the oil containment recovery dome is formed with
a length and a width that is larger than a ship from which oil is leaking

[0194] The oil containment recovery dome 200 may be transported to an area
where it is needed using a variety of devices such as a dirigible 220.
The oil containment recovery dome may be connected to the dirigible using
at least one cable 222.

[0195] When the oil containment recovery dome 200 is proximate to the ship
224 from which oil is leaking, the oil containment recovery dome 200 is
lowered over the ship 224 such that a lower edge of the oil containment
recovery dome 200 extends into water to a depth that is lower than the
depth at which the oil is anticipated to be located, as illustrated in
FIGS. 30 and 31.

[0196] A plurality of buoyancy bladders 208 may be positioned around the
oil containment recovery dome 200 may retain the oil containment recovery
dome 200 at a consistent depth so that objects that extend from an upper
surface of the ship 224 do not contact the oil containment recovery dome
200.

[0197] The oil containment recovery dome 200 thereby contains the oil
there within. The contained oil may then be collected from the contained
region. While it is illustrated that the oil containment recovery dome
200 remains connected to the dirigible 220, the buoyancy bladders 208
enable the oil containment recovery dome 200 to be disconnected from the
dirigible 220 during the oil recovery process.

[0198] In the preceding detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by
way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as "top,"
"bottom," "front," "back," "leading," "trailing," etc., is used with
reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because
components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different
orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of
illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preceding
detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense,
and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0199] It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as
well as those described in the above applications incorporated by
reference, can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances.
Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill.